Q & A With Former Series Champion, Race Winner Trevor Hopwood
Trevor Hopwood (No. 12 Mobis/Infinity Audio Kia Forte Koup), who earned the 2007 Street Tuner title with Adam Burrows, answered questions about his summer and the Grand Prix of Trois-Rivières, which he won in 2008.
Q. - Talk about what you have done this summer outside of racing.
T.H. - It's been a completely flat out but fun summer. I am the Assistant Director of the Adventure Camp in Kittery, Maine. It's a camp for middle school students, and every day we go a field trip. We might go to an amusement park one day, or ice skating or a trip to the beach the next day. This week prior to Trois-Rivières, however, is special; it's the annual camping trip. For two days, we take about 45 kids to Northern Maine. The trip includes a 14-mile canoe trip down the Saco River, plus other games, activities and a talent show. It's a tradition, and something everyone looks forward to each year.
Q. - Let's talk about the Kinetic Motorsports program and the new Kia Forte Koups.
T.H. - It has been quite an interesting season. When the cars rolled off the truck at Daytona we had one goal: to finish that race. We did and we have finished every race since then. We know the Kinetic guys will develop the car like mad and the speed and results will come as we have seen so far. That race at Lime Rock Park was definitely the best of the season; we had a top-five finish and I led. I never had a doubt in my mind that the car would get faster and it is continuing to get faster.
Q. - What sets Trois-Rivières apart from some of the places we visit on the circuit?
T.H. - Obviously, it is a street circuit so that alone makes it unique. But there are many other aspects that make it such a special weekend. It's our only stop in Canada, which is very important for the series. We have many teams and drivers from Canada, so it's great for them to all have a home race. The Canadian fans are incredible as well. It is easily the highest attended race of the year for us. They love their racing there and hopefully we can put a good show on for them. No other city puts as much effort into promoting an event and having all sorts of activities at night downtown.
Q. - What are the chances the Kia can break through for a victory at Trois-Rivières?
T.H. - I think we have a good shot. It will be an interesting race. They have increased the time back to two hours, which will play into our hand a bit. It's a small but strong field this year. The race is going to be all about saving the brakes. Adam is finishing this weekend so hopefully I can leave the car in really good shape so he has something to fight with at the end. Kinetic, Adam and myself have all proven we know how to win here.
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